The Massachusetts primary is next Thursday, Sept. 8. Five candidates are vying in the Democratic primary for the state representative seat now held by retiring Rep. Timothy Madden; two other candidates not enrolled in any party will appear on the November ballot. The Gazette emailed customized questionnaires to each announced candidate for office asking them to answer two general questions: why Martha’s Vineyard voters should elect them and what their qualifications were for office. The legislative candidates were also asked about their priorities.

Jacob Ferry
West Tisbury Independent (unenrolled)
Candidate for State Representative

Statement

Martha’s Vineyard voters should elect me to represent them in the Massachusetts legislature because I will make their voices sound the loudest. My main platform is local option and local control. The Massachusetts legislature should not make decisions about how the Island should operate if they have never lived on an Island. I have lived on the Vineyard my entire life and I will fight harder than anybody else to give the Vineyard the autonomy it needs and deserves.

Qualifications

I am qualified for this office because of my prior experience as a chief of staff for a state representative. I have written, lobbied for, and gotten bills passed, as well as set up a web of connections in the state house that will allow me to help resolve constituent issues more effectively and efficiently than any other candidate. My education at Boston University in psychology and philosophy has taught me to be impartial when dealing with issues, to see the long-term goals and constantly work towards them, and how to negotiate well with other state representatives.

Priorities

I believe the most important issues facing our district are the opioid crisis, housing (both year-round and seasonal), and climate change. Will appear on general election ballot.